Assisting the Parkinson's Disease Patient

A person with Parkinson's disease will eventually have to give up his independence as the disease reduces mobility and dexterity. But in the beginning, you can help your loved one to stay as independent as possible.

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As Parkinson's disease progresses, people with the condition often find that their symptoms begin to interfere with their ability to handle day-to-day chores and activities. At this point, loved ones may have to step in and help, and eventually will have to take charge of responsibilities like driving and shopping.

This transition doesn't happen overnight, nor does it happen in a straight-line fashion. "It's day-by-day," says Linda Pituch, a patient services manager for the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. "On one day, somebody might be functioning pretty well and they can do a whole lot more for themselves. You're flexing all the time, adjusting day-to-day to what the abilities and limitations are."

Parkinson’s Disease: Adapting the Living Room and Bedroom

To help a person with Parkinson's disease maintain his independence for as long as possible, there are many simple changes a caregiver can make around the home. Consider the following:

Keep walking areas free of clutter.

Make sure chairs have firm backs and armrests to support the person's weight when he gets up or sits down.

Get a telephone with big buttons to make dialing easier, and help the person program their phone so they can easily dial commonly used numbers.

Provide easy-to-use remote controls with large buttons for operating the television and stereo.

Install large, easily toggled light switches and purchase lamps that are activated by touch or sound.

Secure all electrical and phone cords so they don't pose a tripping hazard.

Install a grab bar beside the bed to provide extra stability as your loved one gets in and out of bed.

Install railings to make it easier to sit on the toilet or step into and out of the bath or shower. You may also want to consider buying a raised toilet seat for easier accessibility.

Think about replacing the bathtub with a shower, so the person with Parkinson's disease doesn't have to step over the high edge of a tub.

Place a non-skid mat in the tub and think about buying a bath bench or chair with non-skid feet as well.

Attach extended levers to sink and bath fixtures to make them easier to use.

Provide liquid soap and a terrycloth glove or mitt to minimize the person's risk of slipping while bending over to pick up a bar of soap or washcloth.

Cover the majority of the bathroom floor with a large rug and secure it in place instead of using small, slippery, area rugs.

Provide an electric razor and electric toothbrush to reduce the movements required for your loved one to shave and brush his teeth.

Parkinson’s Disease: Usable Kitchens

Similarly, there are steps you can take to make the kitchen a more manageable place to get around for a person with Parkinson's disease. You might consider:

Attaching extended hand levers to the faucets in the sink to make them easier to use

Reorganizing the kitchen so food, utensils, and cookware are in easy reach. A countertop turntable can also make supplies more accessible.

Replacing the controls on the stove with large buttons or dials for easier use

Making sure the refrigerator, cabinets, and drawers can be easily opened. Install larger handles if necessary

Always keeping flammable items away from the stove

Parkinson’s Disease Over Time

Eventually, people with moderate or advanced disease cannot handle tasks that require enhanced strength, dexterity, or balance. As a result, caregivers should be prepared to step in and help with activities such as:

Driving. People with early Parkinson's disease are usually still able to drive, especially if they're taking Parkinson's medications. But driving is actually a complicated task that involves both a sharp mind and a flexible and responsive body. As Parkinson's disease progresses, people with the condition will probably have to give up driving. Caregivers can take over the task of driving, or they can help their loved one maintain independence by assisting with cabs, public transportation, or special transportation options for people living with disabilities.

Shopping. Going up and down grocery aisles and waiting in long lines can be draining even for able-bodied people. People with Parkinson's disease often have difficulty walking or picking up objects, which can make a shopping trip that much more difficult. Keep in mind, though, that many grocery and department stores provide motorized carts that a person with Parkinson's disease can use in the store. Caregivers can also help, by carrying shopping bags and putting the groceries away at home.

Home upkeep. The effects of Parkinson's disease on balance and mobility will eventually make tasks like using a vacuum cleaner or a lawn mower very difficult. Even so, caregivers should try to include their loved one in housework as much as possible, to help encourage ongoing physical activity. If it becomes clear that a task is potentially dangerous, however, the caregiver should take over.

It's not easy to watch a friend or family member become less and less independent. But if you can find ways to enhance and maintain their independence for as long as possible, everyone involved, especially your loved one with Parkinson's disease, will benefit.

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